Hunger Free Oklahoma Blog

Hunger Free Oklahoma wants your input on the experiences you have had with Federal Nutrition Programs. Data will be collected to identify successes and barriers to participation in programs, such as school meal programs and SNAP. We are specifically asking for input on your satisfaction with the programs and changes you would like to see […]

Richard Comeau, Program Director at Hunger Free Oklahoma, used mapping to show Oklahoma summer meal sites and the patterns of decline for summer. The map also showed the priority areas in relations to current summer meal sites. Click for Presentation: Oklahoma Summer Meal Sites – Tulsa Click for Presentation: Oklahoma Summer Meal Sites – OKC  Rebecca Lais, MSW […]

By Kit Hines, R.D., L.D., the Child Nutrition Director at Tulsa Public Schools Kit Hines has worked for Sodexo at Tulsa Public Schools since 1999, in current role of Child Nutrition Director since 2010. She has worked in School Nutrition field since 1996. Kit’s education includes Bachelor of Science degree in Community Medical Dietetics. She […]

10. No Child Should Start the Day Hungry – Students who skip breakfast have slower memory, make more mistakes, and are more likely to repeat a grade. Find out more. 9. Growing Brains Need Fuel – Eating breakfast boosts math, reading, and standardized test scores, improves attention, and increases problem-solving skills. Find out more. 8. […]

In 78 schools in Oklahoma City, children will have access to breakfast and lunch at no cost next school year. By implementing the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) Oklahoma City Public Schools has committed to ensuring that all students start the day on a level playing field and have every possible chance at academic success.

In 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a guidance requiring all school districts or state administering agencies participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) to create and clearly communicate a policy on unpaid school meal debt. The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), the state agency […]

Recently, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez signed the Hunger- Free Students’ Bill of Rights in an attempt to end the practice of shaming children who have outstanding debts on their school lunch accounts. According to coverage of the legislation, students and employees have reported such practices as stamping a child on the arm with “I need lunch money,” throwing a student’s hot meal in the trash when their account has insufficient funds, and forcing students to clean cafeteria tables in exchange for a meal. This is unacceptable.

Thank you for your interest in the issue of hunger and the work of our organization. Hunger Free Oklahoma was founded with the belief hunger is solvable, unnecessary and, in a country as rich as ours, unjust. Oklahoma has some of the worst hunger statistics in the nation. Hunger in our state has many faces […]

An Assessment of Food Insecurity and Resources, Excerpt Individuals and organizations throughout Oklahoma – in its larger cities and its rural communities – are working to support their neighbors struggling with food insecurity. Despite the tireless work of local and state organizations, food insecurity is still a serious problem in Oklahoma. In order to fully […]

Imagine fighting hunger – and the stigma that comes with a “free or reduced meals” application – in our public schools with free breakfast and lunch for all students.  In Houston, that dream has become a reality. Houston ISD offers breakfast and lunch free of charge in all elementary and middle schools (even some high […]